Some 43 participants had signed up as of Tuesday morning to have exhibits in the Gilmer Police Department’s 13th annual “Treats on the Square” downtown Halloween celebration Saturday.

The event, which draws large crowds annually, is set for 5 to 8 p.m.

The department is offering what it terms “a safe alternative to our community’s youth on this night of trick or treat while positively promoting merchants and the Gilmer Police Department’s Community Policing Project,” said Gilmer Police Chief James Grunden.

Those wanting to set up “Treat Stop Spots,” in which they can pass out treaks like as candy and gum, are asked to contact Danielle Hammonds at the police department at 903-843-5545 to reserve their spot. While those wanting to exhibit can call her as late as Friday, all spots with electrical service have already been assigned, she said.

Two new features will be introduced to the event this year—“Trunk or Treat,” in which participants can use decorated vehicles to pass out candy/treats, and the “People’s Choice Award,” to be given in addition to the booth- judging contest.

Anyone attending can vote on the “People’s Choice” award for their favorite exhibit. Voting will occur at the Upshur County Crimestoppers booth between Rent-A-Center and Gilmer Drug on Davis St., said Ms. Hammonds. (Davis St. is on the west side of the courthouse square.)

The Crimestoppers group announced it will have a “kid-friendly spook house” in front of the old Bealls buIlding on the downtown square, while the police department and Upshur County Sheriff’s Office will have a big “haunted house” in the building itself.

The police department encourages participants to “dress up” for the Halloween observance. Uniformed officers from the department will be provided on the square throughout the evening to ensure safety, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

“Please help this become a success for the children of Upshur County,” Crimestoppers said.